Post-Pandemic Shifts in Pediatric Respiratory Infections
As temperatures drop and the cold season approaches, the risk of respiratory infections rises among children. In the latest edition of CONSULTAȚII, Prof. univ. dr. Doina Pleșca, president of the Romanian Society of Pediatrics, joins host Marilena Frâncu to unpack what life after the pandemic means for young patients. While respiratory viruses most often cause mild illness in healthy children, they can still bring significant discomfort and parental anxiety. Experts note that post-pandemic dynamics have altered the incidence and severity of respiratory infections, and viruses typical of the cold season are circulating in broader timeframes than before. As schools and kindergartens resume, clinicians anticipate a predictable uptick in pediatric infections, but with evolving patterns that require attentive monitoring and clear guidance for families.
Dr. Pleșca and the debate on post-pandemic epidemiology emphasize the importance of prevention, timely diagnosis, and appropriate care to minimize disruption in children’s daily lives. The discussion also highlights how healthcare systems must adapt to shifting viral landscapes, ensuring parents have reliable information about when to seek care and how to protect their children during peak seasons.
Romania’s National Strategy for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases (2025–2030)
The second focus of the program is Romania’s recently launched National Strategy for Combatting Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases for 2025–2030. The plan sets out directions, objectives, anticipated results, and the institutions responsible for implementation, backed by a total budget of more than 200 million euros for the first five years. Romania becomes the fifth EU member to adopt a comprehensive cardiovascular strategy, joining Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Portugal, and uniquely aligning cardio- and cerebro-vascular components within a single document.
Key strategic directions include:
- Prevention of cardiovascular disease through population-wide measures and health education
- An integrated data system to better track risk factors, outcomes, and resource use
- Improved access to diagnostics and treatment, reducing delays in care
- Rehabilitation services that support long-term recovery and secondary prevention
- Strengthening the health workforce and infrastructure
- Focused research and innovation to accelerate evidence-based interventions
By uniting both cardio- and cerebrovascular health efforts, the strategy aims to reduce incidence, improve survival, and enhance quality of life for people at risk or living with these conditions. The plan also outlines governance structures and cross-sector collaboration necessary to translate policy into tangible health gains for the population.
What This Means for Families and Health Professionals
For families, the evolving landscape of respiratory infections means staying informed about seasonal risks, vaccination recommendations, and early signs that warrant medical advice. Pediatricians emphasize routine vaccination, good hygiene practices, ventilated indoor spaces, and staying home when children are acutely ill to prevent spread. When it comes to cardiovascular health, the strategy signals a shift toward proactive prevention, better access to care, and coordinated research so new therapies and diagnostic tools reach patients faster.
Healthcare providers can expect greater data integration to guide decision-making, more standardized protocols, and expanded rehabilitation options. The combined focus on prevention, timely treatment, and rehabilitation is designed to reduce the burden of disease and support healthier, longer lives for Romanians.
About the CONSULTAȚII Show
This edition of CONSULTAȚII is hosted by Marilena Frâncu and features Prof. univ. dr. Doina Pleșca, a leading voice in pediatric medicine and the president of the Romanian Society of Pediatrics. The discussion offers listeners a practical take on how post-pandemic changes affect children today and what the new national strategy could mean for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health in the years ahead.
Takeaways
Two timely topics—post-pandemic respiratory infections and a forward-looking cardiovascular strategy—underscore the program’s aim: equip families and health professionals with clear, evidence-based information to protect child health now and build stronger health systems for the future.
